Providing content based on presentation control device

ABSTRACT

An online gaming system for providing online game content to users based presentation control device. The system may comprise one or more processors configured to execute computer program modules including: a game module configured to execute an instance of an online game and to implement the instance of the online game to facilitate participation of users in the online game via presentation control devices; a user module configured to manage content sets corresponding to the individual users; a presentation control device module configured to manage game content sets corresponding to presentation control devices; a detection module configured to detect users physically present at the presentation control devices; and a content module configure to: determine appropriate content sets which are to be made available for participation by the users, and effectuate presentation of the game content to facilitate participation of the users in the determined appropriate game content sets.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure relates to providing game content to users of an onlinegame based on presentation control devices used to access the onlinegame.

BACKGROUND

Virtual spaces, such as online games, can be enjoyed by users from avariety of media devices. The versatility of virtual spaces allows usersto log into user accounts associated there with and participate in thevirtual space from nearly any device capable of network communication.Users may log on via presentation control devices, such as televisionset-top boxes, smart TVs, computers, and gaming consoles. Users mayaccess virtual spaces via mobile user devices such as mobile computingdevices, smartphones, tablet computers, cellular telephones, and mobilegaming devices.

Virtual space content which is provided to the users facilitatingparticipation by the users is typically limited. For example, contentmay be limited if the user participating in the virtual space is a“guest”, that is, does not have a user account associated with thevirtual space. Even still, users having user accounts may still belimited to “general” content which is presented to all users with useraccounts. Users may additionally “unlock” or otherwise acquire morecontent to enhance their gameplay experience with the “general” content.However, this “unlocked” content may be limited in that it requiressubstantial user participation and/or user skill (in the case of anonline game) to be able to achieve the “unlocks” in the first place.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the disclosure relates to an online gaming systemconfigured to provide game content to users of an online game based onpresentation control devices used to access the online game. The systemmay comprise one or more processors configured to execute computerprogram modules. The computer program modules may comprise a gamemodule, a user module, a presentation control device module, a detectionmodule, a content module, and/or other modules.

The game module may be configured to execute an instance of an onlinegame, and to implement the instance of the online game to facilitateparticipation of users in the online game via presentation controldevices.

The user module may be configured to manage user accounts associatedwith the users in the online game. The user accounts may indicate one ormore game content sets which correspond to the individual users. Gamecontent sets corresponding to individual users may be content madeavailable to the users by virtue of the associated user accounts. Theuser accounts may include a first user account associated with a firstuser. The first user account may indicate a first game content setcorresponding to the first user.

The presentation control device module may be configured to manage gamecontent sets corresponding to individual presentation control devices.Game content sets corresponding to presentation control devices may becontent which is made available at the individual presentation controldevices for users physically present at the presentation controldevices. The game content sets corresponding to presentation controldevices may include a second game content set corresponding to a firstpresentation control device.

The detection module may be configured to detect users physicallypresent at the presentation control devices. Detecting users may includedetecting mobile devices used by the users physically present at thepresentation control devices.

The content module may be configured to determine appropriate gamecontent sets which are to be made available for participation by users.The appropriate game content may include the one or more of content setswhich correspond to the individual users and/or content setscorresponding to presentation control device which the users arephysically present. For example, by virtue of the detection moduledetecting the first user at the first presentation control device, thecontent module may be configured to determine that the first gamecontent set and second game content set is to be made available forparticipation by the first user at the first presentation controldevice.

The content module may be configured to effectuate presentation of thegame content sets via the game module to facilitate participation of theusers in the determined appropriate game content sets. This may include,for example, effectuating presentation of the first game content set andsecond game content set via the game module to facilitate participationin the first game content set and second game content set by the firstuser accessing the online game via the first presentation controldevice.

Another aspect of the disclosure relates to a method for presentingonline game content to user of the online game based on presentationcontrol devices. The method may be implemented in a computer system thatincludes one or more physical processors and storage media storingmachine-readable instructions. The method may comprise the operationsof: executing an instance of an online game to implement the instance ofthe online game to facilitate participation of users in the online gamevia presentation control devices; managing user accounts associated withthe users in the online game, the user accounts indicating game contentsets which correspond to the individual users, wherein game content setscorresponding to individual users is content made available to the usersby virtue of the associated user accounts, the user accounts including afirst user account associated with a first user, the first user accountindicating a first game content set corresponding to the first user;managing game content sets corresponding to individual presentationcontrol devices, wherein game content sets corresponding to presentationcontrol device is content made available at the individual presentationcontrol devices for users physically present at the presentation controldevices, the game content sets corresponding to presentation controldevices including a second game content set corresponding to a firstpresentation control device; detecting users physically present at thepresentation control devices; determining appropriate game content setswhich are to be made available for participation by users, wherein theappropriate game content includes one or more of content setscorresponding to the individual users and content sets corresponding topresentation control device, including, by virtue of detecting the firstuser at the first presentation control device, determining that thefirst game content set and second game content set is to be madeavailable for participation by the first user at the first presentationcontrol device; effectuating presentation of the game content sets tofacilitate participation of the users in the determined appropriate gamecontent sets, including, effectuating presentation of the first gamecontent set and second game content set to facilitate participation inthe first game content set and second game content set by the first useraccessing the online game via the first presentation control device;and/or other operations.

These and other features, and characteristics of the present technology,as well as the methods of operation and functions of the relatedelements of structure and the combination of parts and economies ofmanufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of thefollowing description and the appended claims with reference to theaccompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification,wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in thevarious figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that thedrawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only andare not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. As usedin the specification and in the claims, the singular form of “a”, “an”,and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictatesotherwise.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a system configured to provide content to users of anonline game based on presentation control devices used to access theonline game.

FIG. 2 illustrates a particular embodiment of the system illustrated inFIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates a method for providing content to users of an onlinegame.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a system 10 configured to provide content to users 30of a virtual space based at least in part on presentation controldevices 28 used to access the virtual space. Providing content maycomprise effectuating presentation of the content to facilitate userparticipation in the content. A virtual space may include, for example,an online game. Virtual space content may include online game content.Presentation control devices 28 may include, for example, a televisionset-top box, smart TV, computer, gaming console, and/or other devicesuitable for the intended purposes described herein. In someimplementations, users may access the virtual space via user devices 29.User devices 29 may include mobile computing devices. User device 29 maycomprise smartphones, tablet computers, cellular telephones, mobilegaming device, PC's, and/or other considerations of user devices 29.User devices 29 may be internet connectable devices. It is noted thatthe distinction herein between user devices 29 and presentation controldevices 28 is provided merely for illustrative purposes and is notintended to be limiting. In some implementations, the scope ofpresentation control devices 28 may encompass the scope of user devices29 as described herein, or vice versa.

Game content may be considered in a variety of ways. Game content maycomprise sets of game content. Sets of game content may include one ormore of virtual characters, virtual items, game levels, game maps, gameenhancements, promotional offers, and/or other considerations forcontent and/or content sets. Herein game content may refer to individualgame content as well as sets of game content. Game content may becontent which is acquired via in-game unlocks, purchases, upgrades,achievements, and/or other considerations for acquiring game content.Game content may be content corresponding with one or more presentationcontrol devices. Game content may be content corresponding to one ormore individual users (e.g., to user accounts of the users).

Game content corresponding to presentation control devices 28 may becontent which has be acquired specifically for use at the givenpresentation control device 28. Game content corresponding withpresentation control devices 28 may be content which can only beaccessed by users who are physically present at the presentation controldevice 28 with which the content corresponds. It is noted, however, thatdifferent presentation control devices 28 may have the same or similargame content corresponding thereto. That is, game content correspondingto a presentation control device 28 is not intended to imply that thecontent is exclusive to the particular presentation control device 28.For example, different users at different presentation control devicemay acquire the same or similar game content such that the contentcorresponds to each of the presentation control devices respectfully.

Presentation control devices 28 may include identification information,such as a serial number, user name, and/or other information associatedtherewith. Particular game content corresponding to a given presentationcontrol device 28 may correlate with the identification information ofthe presentation control device 28. Game content corresponding topresentation control devices 28 may only be accessed if the userrequesting access to the content is physically present at thepresentation control device 28 having the appropriately correspondingidentification information.

For example, a user accessing the virtual space from a givenpresentation control device 28 may unlock (e.g., through purchase and/orthrough other means) game content including one or more virtual items(and/or other game content, for example, a map upgrade) for usespecifically at a given presentation control device 28. As such thepurchased virtual items (and/or other content) may be only available tousers who access the virtual space via the given presentation controldevice 28 (or one or more other presentation control devices which thecontent has been acquired to correspond thereto). Content correspondingwith presentation control devices 28 may be stored locally at thepresentation control devices 28. Content corresponding to presentationcontrol devices 28 may be stored remotely (e.g., on a remote server)from the presentation control devices 28. Content corresponding topresentation control devices 28 may be considered in other ways.

Content corresponding to individual users may be content correspondingto one or more user accounts associated with the users. Contentcorresponding to individual user accounts may be content which has beenacquired specifically for use by the user associated with the useraccount. The game content corresponding to individual users may becontent which is made available to the users by virtue of access to theassociated user accounts. Briefly, however described in more detailherein, a user may have a user account associated with the virtual space(e.g., an online game account). The user account may store informationabout the user, for example information regarding content available tothe user including un-locks, achievements, upgrades, purchases, and/orother information associated specifically with the individual useraccounts. For example, a given user account may include information suchas one or more virtual items purchased by the user associated with theaccount. The virtual items may be available to the user associated withthe account by virtue of access to account. The virtual item may be madeavailable to the user any time the user accesses (e.g., logs into) theiruser account. The virtual item (and/or other content) may be madeavailable to the user independent of the presentation control device 28and/or user device 29 (e.g., a mobile device) used to access the virtualspace (e.g., the content corresponds to the user account and not to thedevice used to access the account and/or virtual space).

Briefly, the system 10 herein may be configured to detect one or moreusers who are physically present at the presentation control devices 28.Game content may be provided to the individual users based on theindividual user account associated with the users. Game content may beprovided to the individual users based on presentation control device 28used by the users detected to be physically present at the presentationcontrol devices 28. The content provided may be the contentcorresponding to the presentation control device 28. The contentprovided may be content corresponding to individual user accounts. Thecontent provided to the users physically present at the presentationcontrol devices 28 may be other considerations of game content. Thecontent may be provided to some or all users physically present at thepresentation control devices 28.

In FIG. 1, providing the virtual space may include hosting the virtualspace over a network 26, such as the Internet. A host server may includeone or more processors configured to execute one or more computermodules for implementing an instance of an online game and to facilitatethe participation of one or more users in the online game. The hostserver may be a game server 12. The server 12 may include processor(s)14.

The computer program modules may include one or more of a game module16, a user module 18, a presentation control device module 20, adetection module 22, a content module 24, and/or other modules. Theserver 12 may be configured to communicate with one or more presentationcontrol devices 28 and/or user devices 29, according to client/serverarchitecture. The users 30 may access the system 10 and/or the virtualspace via presentation control devices 28 and/or user devices 29.

The game module 16 may be configured to implement an instance of thevirtual space executed by the computer modules to determine state of thevirtual space. The state may then be communicated (e.g., via streamingvisual data, via object/position data, and/or other state information)from server 12 to presentation control devices 28 and/or user devices 29for presentation to users. The state determined and transmitted to agiven presentation control device 28 and/or user devices 29 maycorrespond to a view for a user character being controlled by a user viainput devices (e.g., a controller) at the given presentation controldevice 28 and/or user device 29. The state determined and presented to agiven presentation control device 28 may correspond to a location in thevirtual space (e.g., location in the game). The view described by thestate for the given presentation control device 28 and/or user device 29may correspond, for example, to the location from which the view istaken, the location the view depicts, and/or other locations, a zoomratio, a dimensionality of objects, a point-of-view, and/or viewparameters of the view. One or more of the view parameters may beselectable by the user.

An instance of the virtual space may comprise a simulated space that isaccessible by users via clients (e.g., presentation control devices 28and/or user devices 29) that present the views of the virtual space to auser. The simulated space may have a topography, express ongoingreal-time interaction by one or more users, and/or include one or moreobjects positioned within the topography that are capable of locomotionwithin the topography. In some instances, the topography may be a2-dimensional topography. In other instances, the topography may be a3-dimensional topography. The topography may include dimensions of thespace, and/or surface features of a surface or objects that are “native”to the space. In some instances, the topography may describe a surface(e.g., a ground surface) that runs through at least a substantialportion of the space. In some instances, the topography may describe avolume with one or more bodies positioned therein (e.g., a simulation ofgravity-deprived space with one or more celestial bodies positionedtherein). An instance executed by the computer modules may besynchronous, asynchronous, and/or semi-synchronous.

The above description of the manner in which state of the virtual spaceis determined by game module 16 is not intended to be limiting. The gamemodule 16 may be configured to express the virtual space in a morelimited, or more rich, manner. For example, views determined for thevirtual space representing the state of the instance of the virtualspace may be selected from a limited set of graphics depicting an eventin a given place within the virtual space. The views may includeadditional content (e.g., text, audio, pre-stored video content, and/orother content) that describes particulars of the current state of theplace, beyond the relatively generic graphics. For example, a view mayinclude a generic battle graphic with a textual description of theopponents to be confronted. Other expressions of individual placeswithin the virtual space are contemplated.

Within the instance(s) of the virtual space executed by game module 16,users may control characters, objects, simulated physical phenomena(e.g., wind, rain, earthquakes, and/or other phenomena), and/or otherelements within the virtual space to interact with the virtual spaceand/or each other. The user characters may include avatars. As usedherein, the term “user character” may refer to an object (or group ofobjects) present in the virtual space that represents an individualuser. The user character may be controlled by the user with which it isassociated. The user controlled element(s) may move through and interactwith the virtual space (e.g., non-user characters in the virtual space,other objects in the virtual space). The user controlled elementscontrolled by and/or associated with a given user may be created and/orcustomized by the given user. The user may have an “inventory” ofvirtual items and/or currency that the user can use (e.g., bymanipulation of a user character or other user controlled element,and/or other items) within the virtual space.

The users 30 may participate in the instance of the virtual space bycontrolling one or more of the available user controlled elements in thevirtual space. Control may be exercised through control inputs and/orcommands input by the users through presentation control devices 28and/or user devices 29. The users 30 may interact with each otherthrough communications exchanged within the virtual space. Suchcommunications may include one or more of textual chat, instantmessages, private messages, voice communications, and/or othercommunications. Communications may be received and entered by the usersvia their respective presentation control devices 28 and/or user devices29. Communications may be routed to and from the appropriate users 30through server 12 (e.g., through game module 16) and/or throughcommunications which are external to the system 10 (e.g., text messagingservices associated with the presentation control devices 28 and/or userdevices 29).

The instance of the virtual space and/or the online game that takesplace therein may be persistent. That is, the virtual space and/or thegame may continue on whether or not individual players are currentlylogged in and/or participating in the game. A player that logs out ofthe virtual space and then logs back in some time later may find thevirtual space has been changed through the interactions of other playerswith the virtual space during the time the player was logged out. Thesechanges may include changes to the simulated physical space, changes inthe players inventory, changes in other players inventories, changesexperienced by non-player characters, changes in game contentcorresponding to presentation control devices and/or the individualusers, and/or other changes.

For example, a user may log out of their user account. While logged out,changes to the availability to sets of game content corresponding to theuser may occur. Game content (e.g., virtual items, offers, etc.) whichthe user may have acquired prior to logging out may have an expiration(e.g., expires at log out and/or after a time period) and/or mayotherwise become unavailable to the user at the next instance the userlogs back in (e.g., the content no longer corresponds to that user).Conversely, during the time a user is logged out, new content (e.g., anew promotional offer) may be automatically acquired by the user (e.g.,automatically acquired to correspond to the particular user andassociated user account), such that at the next instance of logging into the online game, the user may access the new content. Changes tocontent corresponding to individual users and/or presentation controldevices may be considered in other ways.

The user module 18 may be configured to access and/or manage one or moreuser profiles and/or user accounts associated with users of the system10. The one or more user profiles and/or user accounts may includeinformation stored by server 12, one or more of the presentation controldevices 28 and/or user devices 29, and/or other storage locations. Theuser accounts may include, for example, information identifying users(e.g., a username or handle, a number, an identifier, and/or otheridentifying information) within the virtual space, security logininformation (e.g., a login code or password), virtual space accountinformation, subscription information, virtual currency accountinformation (e.g., related to currency held in credit for a user),relationship information (e.g., information related to relationshipsbetween users in the virtual space), virtual space usage information(e.g., a log-in history indicating the frequency and/or amount of timesthe user logs-in to the user accounts), demographic informationassociated with users, interaction history among users in the virtualspace, information stated by users, browsing history of users, apresentation control device being used by the user, a phone numberassociated with a user, information about content corresponding to theuser associated with the user account which is available to the user(e.g., un-locked, achieved, purchased, acquired and/or other content),and/or other information related to users.

In some implementations, the user module 18 may be configured such thatthe user accounts indicate the availability of game contentcorresponding to the individual users in the online game. Contentcorresponding to users may be content which is made available to theusers by virtue of the user having access to the associated useraccounts. Game content may be content which is unlocked, achieved,purchased, and/or otherwise acquired by the user for the user. Forexample, users may access (e.g., log into) their user accounts and makecontent purchases using virtual and/or real currency through virtualshops. The purchased (or other considerations for content acquisition)content may be made available to the user any time the user logs intotheir user account when accessing the virtual space (or due to thepersistence of the online game, content may be made available duringtimes the user is logged out). The game content corresponding to theindividual users may be made available independent of the device (e.g.,presentation control devices 28 and/or user devices 29) used by the userto access the virtual space. As another example, users may acquire gamelevel and/or virtual item unlocks through advancement in gameplay whilelogged into their user account. The purchased, unlocked, and/orotherwise acquired content may be participated in by the users when theusers log into their user account (e.g., independent of the presentationcontrol device 28 and/or user device 29 used to access the virtualspace). Game content corresponding to individual users may be consideredin other ways.

As an illustrative example of a particular embodiment of the system 10in FIG. 2, the user module 18 may be configured such that the useraccounts include a first user account 40 associated with a first user 32and/or other user accounts associated with other users. The first useraccount 40 may indicate a first game content set 42 which is availableto the first user 32. The first game content set 42 may be contentcorresponding to the first user 32 (e.g., user may participate in thecontent by virtue of the first user 32 logging into the first useraccount 40).

In some implementations, the user module 18 may be configured such thatthe first game content set 42 corresponding to the first user 32includes content which has been unlocked by the first user 32 inassociation with the first user account 40 (e.g., specifically for thefirst user 32 when logged into the first user account 40) so that thefirst user 32 has access to the first content set 42 within the game. Insome implementations, the first game content set 42 corresponding to thefirst user 32 may include content which has been purchased by the firstuser 32 in association with the first user account 40 so that the firstuser 32 has access to the first content set 42 within the game. In someimplementations, the first game content set 42 may include content whichhas been unlocked, purchased, and/or acquired by other techniques (e.g.,automatically during times the user is logged out) by the first user 32.

Returning to FIG. 1, the presentation control device module 20 may beconfigured to manage game content corresponding to individualpresentation control devices 28. The presentation control device module20 may manage game content corresponding to presentation control devices28 by maintaining correlations of game content with the appropriatelycorresponding presentation control devices 28. Maintaining correlationswith presentation control devices 28 may include maintainingcorrelations of the game content to the identification information(e.g., a serial number) associated with the presentation control devices28 with which it corresponds. Managing content corresponding topresentation control devices 28 may be considered in other ways.

In some implementations, the presentation control device module 20 maybe configured such that game content corresponds with an presentationcontrol device 28 when game content is acquired specifically for usewith a given presentation control devices 28. For example, a user mayaccess the virtual space via a presentation control device 28. The usermay log into their user account. The user may purchase one or morevirtue items. Prior to, after, and/or during purchase of the virtualitem, the user may be prompted (e.g., via pop up window, instantmessage, and/or other consideration) asking if they want the newlyacquired content (e.g., the one or more virtual items or other content)to correspond with their user account, and/or with the presentationcontrol device 28 currently being used for the purchase. If a userselection is made which specifies the newly acquired content is tocorrespond with the presentation control device 28, the presentationcontrol device module 20 may be configured to manage this correlationaccordingly for later use when the user attempts to access the contentfrom a presentation control device 28 (e.g., if the user is at adifferent presentation control device, the content may not be availableto the user for participation).

In some implementations, the online game may include game content whichis restricted as being one of content corresponding to presentationcontrol devices 28 or individual users 30. The online game may comprisecontent which, when acquired by the user, doesn't allow user to specifywhether the content is to correspond with their user account or aparticular presentation control device 28. For example, one or moreparticular sets of game content (e.g., map upgrades, virtual items,etc.) which, when acquired can only be acquired as content correspondingto the presentation control device 28 (e.g., or the individual user).

As an illustrative example of a particular embodiment of the system 10in FIG. 2, the presentation control device module 20 may be configuredsuch that game content corresponding to presentation control devicesincludes a second game content set 46 corresponding to a firstpresentation control device 28. The second game content set 46 may becontent which is made available for participation at the firstpresentation control device 28 for users who are physically present atthe first presentation control device 28.

In some implementations, the presentation control device module 20 maybe configured such that the second game content set 46 corresponding tofirst presentation control devices 28 includes content which has beenunlocked during gameplay of the online game by users (e.g., the firstuser 32) specifically for access via the first presentation controldevice 28 (e.g., acquired and specified as content to correspond to thefirst presentation control device 28). In some implementations, thepresentation control device module 20 may be configured such that thesecond game content set 46 includes content which has been purchased byusers (e.g., the first user 32) at the first presentation control device28 specifically for access via the first presentation control device 28(e.g., acquired as content to correspond to the first presentationcontrol device 28). In some implementations, the second game content set46 may include content which has been unlocked, purchased, and/oracquired by other techniques specifically for the first presentationcontrol device 28.

Returning to FIG. 1, the detection module 22 may be configured to detectusers physically present at the presentation control devices 28.Detection of users may be accomplished in a variety of ways. Detectionof users physically present at presentation control devices 28 maycomprise detecting user devices 29 used by the users physically presentat the presentation control devices 28, by virtue of user inputselection indicating presence at the presentation control devices 28,and/or other considerations.

Detecting user devices 29 of users physically present at presentationcontrol devices 28 may comprise employing wifi, near fieldcommunication, and/or other communication capabilities of one or both ofthe presentation control devices 28 and user devices 29. Presentationcontrol devices 28 (e.g., detection module 22) may perform automaticnetwork searches for detecting the presence of user devices 29 withinthe capable communication ranges of the presentation control devices 28.Presentation control devices 28 may automatically detect user devices 29responsive to the user devices 29 sending communication signals (e.g.,radio frequency signals) to communicate their presence within thevacuity of the presentation control devices 28. A detection of userdevices 29 may comprise detecting that the user of the user device 29 islogged into their respective user account at the user devices 29 suchthat the server can identify a user name and/or other information aboutthe user (e.g., information associated with the user account of theuser). A detection of user devices 29 may comprise detecting otherinformation about the user from the user devices 29.

Automatic network searches performed by the presentation control devices28 may be performed at a frequency or rate which is predetermined by thepresentation control devices 28, set by the user, and/or continuous(e.g., always searching). For example, a predetermined frequency ofwhich the presentation control devices 28 perform searches to detectuser devices 29 may be set to every 10 minutes (or other frequency). Auser may set the frequency and/or other parameters (e.g., a time period)to set rules for when the presentation control devices 28 search foruser devices 29 within the vicinity of the presentation control devices28. For example, a user may make selections at the presentation controldevices 28 (e.g., within an application program in the presentationcontrol devices 28) wherein the presentation control devices 28 performuser devices 29 detection searches every 30 minutes, continuously aftera given time period (e.g., when users are expected to be within thevicinity of the presentation control devices 28), and/or other frequencyor parameter selection.

Users within the vicinity of presentation control devices 28 may sendcommunication signals (e.g., radio frequency signals via NFC, Bluetooth,and/or wifi) to communicate their presence when within the vicinity ofthe presentation control devices 28. For example, a user may make aselection on their user devices 29 to ping the presentation controldevices 28 to communicate their presence at the presentation controldevices 28 and/or initiate a network search by the presentation controldevice 28.

Detection of users may be accomplished by user input and/or selection atthe presentation control devices 28. For example, users may makeselections at the presentation control device 28 (e.g., via anapplication program provided by the presentation control devices 28) toindicate their presence (e.g., without searching for user devices 29).User(s) may input their user name(s) and/or other information associatedthe user(s) who is present at a given presentation control device 28.User detection may include the act of the one or more users present atthe presentation control device 28 signing into their user account viathe presentation control device 28. In some implementations, content maybe provided to users even if they do not have a user account, forexample the users can be detected as “guests”. Detection of users and/oruser devices 29 physically present at presentation control devices 28may be accomplished by other techniques.

As an illustrative example in FIG. 2, the detection module 22 may beconfigured such that detecting users at presentation control devicesincludes detecting the first user 32 and a second user 34 at the firstpresentation control device 28. In some implementations, the first user32 may be detected by virtue of the first user 32 accessing (e.g.,logging into) their first user account 40 via the first presentationcontrol device 28. In some implementations, the second user 34 may bedetected by virtue of a first user device 29 used by the second user 34being detected within the vicinity of the first presentation controldevice 28. In some implementations, the second user 34 may be a “guest”,meaning that the second user 34 may or may not have a user accountassociated with the virtual space.

Returning to FIG. 1, the content module 24 may be configured todetermine the appropriate game content which is to be made available tothe users for participation by the users. Appropriate game content mayinclude one or more content sets which correspond to the individualusers (e.g., their user accounts) and/or content corresponding to thepresentation control device 28 where the user is present. For example byvirtue of a user logging into their user account, and/or by virtue ofthe user being detected (e.g., by detection module 22) at a givenpresentation control device, the content module 24 may be determine thatcontent corresponding to the user (e.g., the user's user account) andcontent corresponding to the presentation control device which the useris present at, is content which is to be made available forparticipation by the user.

The content module 24 may be configured to, by virtue of the appropriatecontent being determined for the individual users, effectuatepresentation (e.g., via the game module 16) of the determined gamecontent to the users to facilitate participation of the users in thedetermined appropriate game content.

As an illustrative example in FIG. 2, by virtue of the detection module22 detecting the first user 32 at the first presentation control device28 (e.g., the first user 32 logging into the first user account 40), thecontent module 24 may be configured to determine that the first gamecontent set 42 (e.g., because the user is logged into their account) andsecond game content set 46 (e.g., because the user is physically presentat the first presentation control device 28) may be made available forparticipation by the first user 32 at the first presentation controldevice 28. The content module 24 may be configured to, effectuatepresentation via the game module 16 of the first game content set 42 andsecond game content set 46 to the first user 32 to facilitateparticipation in the first game content set 42 and second game contentset 46 by the first user 32 accessing the online game via the firstpresentation control device 28.

In some implementations, the content module 24 may be configured to, byvirtue of the detection module 22 detecting the second user 34 at thefirst presentation control device 28 (e.g., via physical presence of thefirst user device 29), determine that the second game content set 46corresponding to the first presentation control device 28 is to be madeavailable for participation by the second user 34, and effectuate viathe game module 16 presentation of the second content set 46 tofacilitate participation in the second game content set 46 by the seconduser 34 (and first user 32) via the first presentation control device28.

In some implementations, the content module 24 may be configured todetermine that the first game content set 42 is not to be made availablefor participation by the second user 34 since the first game content set42 corresponds with the first user 32 and not the second user 34 (e.g.,the first user account 40 associated with the first user 32, not thesecond user 34). Thereafter, the content module 24 may be configured toeffectuate presentation via the game module 16 of the first game contentset 42 to facilitate participation in the first game content set 42 bythe first user 32 and not the second user 34 (e.g., a pop up windowingmay be presented saying the particular content is only available for thefirst user 32). In some implementations, if the second user 34 logs intotheir user account via the first presentation control device 28, contentsets corresponding to the second user account (not shown) may be madeavailable for participation by the second user 34 and not the first user32 at the first presentation control device 28.

Returning to FIG. 1, the server 12, presentation control devices 28,user devices 29, and/or external resources 33 may be operatively linkedvia one or more electronic communication links. For example, suchelectronic communication links may be established, at least in part, viaa network 26 such as the Internet and/or other networks. It will beappreciated that this is not intended to be limiting, and that the scopeof this disclosure includes implementations in which servers 12,presentation control devices 28, user devices 29, and/or externalresources 33 may be operatively linked via some other communicationmedia.

The external resources 33 may include sources of information, hostsand/or providers of virtual spaces outside of system 10, externalentities participating with system 10, external entities forplayer-to-player communications, and/or other resources. In someimplementations, some or all of the functionality attributed herein toexternal resources 33 may be provided by resources included in system10.

The server 12 may include electronic storage 25, one or more processors14, and/or other components. The server 12 may include communicationlines, or ports to enable the exchange of information with a networkand/or other computing platforms. Illustration of server 12 in FIG. 1 isnot intended to be limiting. The server 12 may include a plurality ofhardware, software, and/or firmware components operating together toprovide the functionality attributed herein to server 12. For example,server 12 may be implemented by a cloud of computing platforms operatingtogether as server 12.

Electronic storage 25 may comprise electronic storage media thatelectronically stores information. The electronic storage media ofelectronic storage 25 may include one or both of system storage that isprovided integrally (i.e., substantially non-removable) with server 12and/or removable storage that is removably connectable to server 12 via,for example, a port (e.g., a USB port, a firewire port, etc.) or a drive(e.g., a disk drive, etc.). Electronic storage 25 may include one ormore of optically readable storage media (e.g., optical disks, etc.),magnetically readable storage media (e.g., magnetic tape, magnetic harddrive, floppy drive, etc.), electrical charge-based storage media (e.g.,EEPROM, RAM, etc.), solid-state storage media (e.g., flash drive, etc.),and/or other electronically readable storage media. The electronicstorage 25 may include one or more virtual storage resources (e.g.,cloud storage, a virtual private network, and/or other virtual storageresources). Electronic storage 25 may store software algorithms,information determined by processor 14, information received from server12, information received from presentation control devices 28, and/orother information that enables server 12 to function as describedherein.

Processor(s) 14 is configured to provide information processingcapabilities in server 12. As such, processor 14 may include one or moreof a digital processor, an analog processor, a digital circuit designedto process information, an analog circuit designed to processinformation, a state machine, and/or other mechanisms for electronicallyprocessing information. Although processor 14 is shown in FIG. 1 as asingle entity, this is for illustrative purposes only. In someimplementations, processor 14 may include one or more processing units.These processing units may be physically located within the same device,or processor 14 may represent processing functionality of a plurality ofdevices operating in coordination. The processor 14 may be configured toexecute modules 16, 18, 20, 22, 24. Processor 14 may be configured toexecute modules 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 by software; hardware; firmware; somecombination of software, hardware, and/or firmware; and/or othermechanisms for configuring processing capabilities on processor 14.

It should be appreciated that although modules 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 areillustrated in FIG. 1 as being co-located within a single processingunit, in implementations in which processor 14 includes multipleprocessing units, one or more of modules 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 may belocated remotely from the other modules. The description of thefunctionality provided by the different modules 16, 18, 20, 22, 24described above is for illustrative purposes, and is not intended to belimiting, as any of modules 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 may provide more or lessfunctionality than is described. For example, one or more of modules 16,18, 20, 22, 24 may be eliminated, and some or all of its functionalitymay be provided by other ones of modules 16, 18, 20, 22, and/or 24,and/or other modules. As another example, processor 14 may be configuredto execute one or more additional modules that may perform some or allof the functionality attributed below to one of modules 16, 18, 20, 22,24.

FIG. 3 illustrates method 100 for providing content to users in anonline game. The operations of method 100 presented below are intendedto be illustrative. In some embodiments, method 100 may be accomplishedwith one or more additional operations not described, and/or without oneor more of the operations discussed. Additionally, the order in whichthe operations of method 100 are illustrated in FIG. 3 and describedbelow are not intended to be limiting.

In some embodiments, method 100 may be implemented in one or moreprocessing devices (e.g., a digital processor, an analog processor, adigital circuit designed to process information, an analog circuitdesigned to process information, a state machine, and/or othermechanisms for electronically processing information). The one or moreprocessing devices may include one or more devices executing some or allof the operations of method 100 in response to instructions storedelectronically on an electronic storage medium. The one or moreprocessing devices may include one or more devices configured throughhardware, firmware, and/or software to be specifically designed forexecution of one or more of the operations of method 100.

Referring now to method 100 in FIG. 3, at an operation 102 an instanceof an online game may be executed for presentation to users atpresentation control devices and/or user devices. The online game mayfacilitate participation of the users in the online game. In someimplementations, operation 102 may be performed by a game module thesame as or similar to game module 16 (shown in FIG. 1 and describedherein).

At an operation 104, user accounts may be managed. The user account mayinclude information which indicates game content sets which correspondto the individual users. Game content sets corresponding to individualusers may be content which is made available to the user by virtue ofthe associated user accounts being accessed. In some implementations,operation 104 may be performed by a user module the same as or similarto the user module 18 (shown in FIG. 1 and described herein).

At an operation 106, game content sets corresponding to presentationcontrol devices may be managed. Game content sets corresponding topresentation control device may be content which is made available atthe individual presentation control devices for users physically presentat the presentation control devices. In some implementations, operation106 may be performed by a presentation control device module the same asor similar to the presentation control device module 20 (shown in FIG. 1and described herein).

At an operation 108, users physically present at presentation controldevices may be detected. In some implementations, operation 108 may beperformed by a detection module the same as or similar to the detectionmodule 22 (shown in FIG. 1 and described herein).

At an operation 110, appropriate content sets to be made available forparticipation by the users may be determined. In some implementations,operation 110 may be performed by a content module the same or similarto the content module 24 (shown in FIG. 1 and described herein).

At an operation 113, the appropriate game content may be presented tothe users to facilitate participation in the content sets by the users.In some implementations, operation 110 may be performed by a contentmodule the same or similar to the content module 24 (shown in FIG. 1 anddescribed herein).

Although the present technology has been described in detail for thepurpose of illustration based on what is currently considered to be themost practical and preferred implementations, it is to be understoodthat such detail is solely for that purpose and that the technology isnot limited to the disclosed implementations, but, on the contrary, isintended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that arewithin the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it isto be understood that the present technology contemplates that, to theextent possible, one or more features of any implementation can becombined with one or more features of any other implementation.

What is claimed is:
 1. An online gaming system providing game content to users of an online game based on presentation control devices, the system comprising; one or more processors configured by machine-readable instructions to: execute an instance of an online game, and to implement the instance of the online game by determining state information and transmitting the state information over a network to presentation control devices to facilitate participation of the users in the online game via the presentation control devices; manage game content sets corresponding to individual ones of the presentation control devices, wherein the game content sets corresponding to the individual ones of the presentation control devices are content made available at the individual ones of the presentation control devices for one or more users physically present at the individual ones of the presentation control devices, the game content sets corresponding to the individual ones of the presentation control devices including a second game content set corresponding to a first presentation control device, wherein the second game content set corresponding to the first presentation control device is made available to the first user and/or other users when accessing the online game via the first presentation control device, but not when accessing the online game via a second presentation control device, and wherein a third game content set different from the second game content set and corresponding to the second presentation control device is not accessible by the first user when accessing the online game via the first presentation control device; detect users physically present at the presentation control devices; and determine appropriate game content sets which are to be made available for participation by users, wherein the appropriate game content sets include one or more of the game content sets corresponding to the individual ones of the presentation control devices, including determining, by virtue of the detection module detecting the first user at the first presentation control device, that the second game content set is to be made available for participation by the first user at the first presentation control device based on the first user accessing the online game via the first presentation control device, and effectuate presentation of the appropriate game content sets determined to facilitate participation of the users in the appropriate game content sets determined, including, effectuating presentation of the second game content set to facilitate participation in the second game content set by the first user accessing the online game via the first presentation control device.
 2. The system of claim 1 wherein the game content sets include a first game content set corresponding to the first user, and wherein the one or more processors are further configured by machine-readable instructions such that the first game content set corresponding to the first user includes content which has been unlocked by the first user in association with the first user account so that the first user has access to the first content set within the game.
 3. The system of claim 1 wherein the game content sets include a first game content set corresponding to the first user, and wherein the one or more processors are further configured by machine-readable instructions such that the first game content set corresponding to the first user includes content which has been purchased by the first user in association with the first user account so that the first user has access to the first content set within the game.
 4. The system of claim 1 wherein the one or more processors are further configured by machine-readable instructions such that the second game content set corresponding to first presentation control devices includes content which has been unlocked during gameplay of the online game by users for the first presentation control device.
 5. The system of claim 1 wherein the one or more processors are further configured by machine-readable instructions such that the second game content set corresponding to the first presentation control device includes content which has been purchased for the first presentation control device.
 6. The system of claim 1 wherein the one or more processors are further configured by machine-readable instructions such that game content sets includes one or more of gameplay modes, virtual items, virtual characters, game levels, or game maps.
 7. The system of claim 1 wherein the one or more processors are further configured by machine-readable instructions such that detecting users physically present at the presentation control devices includes detecting mobile devices used by the users which are physically present at the presentation control devices.
 8. The system of claim 7 wherein the one or more processors are further configured by machine-readable instructions such that detecting mobile devices comprises using wifi and/or near field communication capabilities of the presentation control devices.
 9. The system of claim 1 wherein the one or more processors are further configured by machine-readable instructions such that, by virtue a second user being detected at the first presentation control device, determine that the second game content set is to be made available for participation by the second user via the first presentation control device, and effectuate presentation of the second game content set to facilitate participation in the second game content set by the first user and the second user via the first presentation control device.
 10. The system of claim 9 wherein the game content sets include a first game content set corresponding to the first user, and wherein the one or more processors are further configured by machine-readable instructions to: determine that the first game content set is not to be made available for participation by the second user, and effectuate presentation of the first content set to facilitate participation in the first game content set by the first user and not the second user.
 11. A method for presenting online game content to users of the online game based on presentation control devices, the method being implemented in a computer system that includes one or more physical processors and storage media storing machine-readable instructions, the method comprising: executing an instance of an online game to implement the instance of the online game by determining state information and transmitting the state information over a network to presentation control devices to facilitate participation of the users in the online game via the presentation control devices; managing game content sets corresponding to individual presentation control devices, wherein game content sets corresponding to the individual ones of the presentation control devices are content made available at the individual ones of the presentation control devices for one or more users physically present at the individual ones of the presentation control devices, the game content sets corresponding to the individual ones of the presentation control devices including a second game content set corresponding to a first presentation control device, wherein the second game content set corresponding to the first presentation control device is made available to the first user and/or other users when accessing the online game via the first presentation control device, but not when accessing the online game via a second presentation control device, and wherein a third dame content set different from the second game content set and corresponding to the second presentation control device is not accessible by the first user when accessing the online game via the first presentation control device; detecting users physically present at the presentation control devices; determining appropriate game content sets which are to be made available for participation by users, wherein the appropriate game content sets include one or more of the game content sets corresponding to the individual ones of the presentation control devices, including, by virtue of detecting the first user at the first presentation control device, determining that the second game content set is to be made available for participation by the first user at the first presentation control device; and effectuating presentation of the game content sets to facilitate participation of the users in the determined appropriate game content sets, including, effectuating presentation of second game content set to facilitate participation in the second game content set by the first user accessing the online game via the first presentation control device.
 12. The method of claim 11 wherein the game content sets include a first game content set corresponding to the first user, and wherein the first game content set corresponding to the first user includes content which has been unlocked by the first user in association with the first user account so that the first user has access to the first content set within the game.
 13. The method of claim 11 wherein the game content sets include a first game content set corresponding to the first user, and wherein the first game content set corresponding to the first user includes content which has been purchased by the first user in association with the first user account so that the first user has access to the first content set within the game.
 14. The method of claim 11 wherein the second game content set corresponding to first presentation control devices includes content which has been unlocked during gameplay of the online game by users for the first presentation control device.
 15. The method of claim 11 wherein the second game content set corresponding to the first presentation control device includes content which has been purchased for the first presentation control device.
 16. The method of claim 11 wherein game content sets includes one or more of gameplay modes, virtual items, virtual characters, game levels, or game maps.
 17. The method of claim 11 wherein detecting users physically present at the presentation control devices includes detecting mobile devices used by the users which are physically present at the presentation control devices.
 18. The method of claim 17 wherein detecting mobile devices comprises using wifi and/or near field communication capabilities of the presentation control devices.
 19. The method of claim 11 additionally including: by virtue detecting a second user at the first presentation control device, determining that the second game content set is to be made available for participation by the second user via the first presentation control device; and effectuating presentation of the second game content set to facilitate participation in the second game content set by the first user and the second user via the first presentation control device.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the game content sets include a first game content set corresponding to the first user, the method additionally including: determining that the first game content set is not to be made available for participation by the second user, and effectuating presentation of the first content set to facilitate participation in the first game content set by the first user and not the second user. 